hacker

UK: /ˈhækə^r/ US: /ˈhækɚ/ ,(hak′ər)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

hack•er /ˈhækɚ/   n. [countable]

1. a person or thing that hacks.
2. Slang Terms a person unskilled in a sport.
3. Computing [Slang.]
   • a person who is excellent at computer programming.
   • a computer user who illegally gains access to restricted computer systems.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

hack•er  (hak′ər), n. 

1. a person or thing that hacks.
2. Slang Terms a person who engages in an activity without talent or skill:
   weekend hackers on the golf course.
3. Computing
   • a computer enthusiast.
   • a microcomputer user who attempts to gain unauthorized access to proprietary computer systems.

• 1200–50; Middle English (as surname); see hack¹, -er¹

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

hacker / ˈhækə/ noun

1. a person who hacks
2. a computer user who gains unauthorized access to the computer system of a company, government, etc